Přepeře
Přepeře lies on the right bank of the Jizera River, just to the west of Turnov, near the protected landscape area of the Bohemian Paradise.
The first mention of the village dates back to 1323, although people lived in the area of Přepeře, on the bank of the Jizera, back in 3,000 to 5,000 years BC. The village began to develop into what we see today back in the early 19th century, when the Svijany estate was acquired by the House of Rohan from Sychrov Chateau.
The village is now home to 950 inhabitants and has a primary and nursery school, a children’s playground and a sports complex.
Přepeře Village
The dominant landmark of Přepeře is the Late Gothic Church of St. James the Elder. The older parts date from 1340 to 1350, but the church has evidently been rebuilt several times since then. The church underwent general reconstruction from 2002, including repairs and the replacement of the interior fittings and furniture. The rare historical organ was also restored. In 2012 the two bells requisitioned during the Second World War were restored to the church tower and connected to Barbora, the biggest bell dating from 1566, which was spared being requisitioned due to its size and historical value.
Not far from the church stands a rectory dating from the end of the 19th century, which has been preserved in its original Neo-Gothic form as it was built by the architects of nearby Sychrov Chateau. The chapel at the local cemetery is also in the Neo-Gothic style.
Close to the church there is a statue of St. John of Nepomuk from 1733, and on the bank of the Čtveřínský stream by the road to Příšovice there stands a Baroque statue of St. Agatha, carved by an unknown sculptor in the 18th century. It was located on the opposite side of the road until the 1970s.
The village has several preserved and listed examples of folk architecture in the form of large timbered houses typical of the Jizera region.
Přepeře is a traditional stop for cyclists and rafters heading down the Jizera River. Running through the village is supraregional cycle route 14 from Hrádek nad Nisou to Hradec Králové and cycle route 17, which is known as the Greenway Jizera and leads from Kořenov to Horní Počernice. You can find out more about this biking trail on the information board by the Jizera.
Jizera River
The river in Přepeře is dammed by a weir below the Church of St. James the Elder, which is essentially the second centre of the village from spring to autumn, with the chance to enjoy refreshments and swim in the river.
Biking trail 17 runs alongside the river, known as the Greenway Jizera. It’s certainly worth taking a trip along it on your bike, skates or a scooter, although it’s also a lovely walk and you can even sail down the river in some parts.
The Greenway Jizera runs from the Jizera Mountains through the foothills of the western Giant Mountains, the Bohemian Paradise and along the Elbe to Prague. You ride along recently built sections, quiet roads and unpaved trails. In some places you have to climb up hills out of the Jizera valley, but don’t be put off by the tougher sections and head off to enjoy the sights. Along the way, you’ll experience the magic of six unique landscapes taking in their natural monuments, castles and chateaus, and some interesting feats of technical engineering, as well as fine examples of folk and church architecture.